6th-gen VFR lust won't go away

[aks801]

No bike currently, sold my bike ('79 KZ 1000) about 4 years ago.  Have followed the VFRs for years, rode a new '96 way back when.  So I feel I somewhat know the bike from a distance, and really like it.

On the other hand.... I have alternated over the last year or so on newer models as objects of desire.  That new Triumph Sprint GT looks very interesting.  The Kawasaki C14 looks just fantastic.  Have even toyed with the idea of going BMW: either the R12RT or R12R.  The new VFR 1200 looks nice, but dang it is expensive.

Whatever bike I get, I'll commute some on it.  Most rides will be local fun stuff.  Live on west side of Houston, so the hill country beckons and I'll want to go investigate that on occasion (even though that will involve some medium distance days).

Took another look at the '07 through '09 bikes that are still available out there, brand new, and the pricing sure makes it an extremely attractive proposition.  Can get a new one with factory side cases for $9k, so the difference between that and any of those mentioned '10 models is significant, certainly enough for some farkles, extra set of tires, and some nice gear.

Anyone else out there riding a low mileage VFR 800?  Would like to hear from folks who have gone this route recently.  It just seems like such a well-sorted bike to this day and would probably serve me well for some years to come.

[Bryan217]

Yup, some good deals to be found on leftovers. I got mine last October for $7k w/ABS. Had to add the bags later for another $1k, but still a good deal. I think it's a great all around bike, for commuting, sporty riding, even some touring. But of course, I'm biased.  

[knolltop314]

Definitely will be watching this thread as I have same lust .... though touring will be big deal for me.

[Mastros2]

I recently picked up my 2003 VFRA and it's probably the best bike for me.  Sport enough seating position that you aren't fighting it in the twisties and upright enough for the 300-400 mile days.  What a great bike!  

FYI, I picked up mine for $3800.  Low miles, great shape with abs.  There are a ton of deals out there now and like Bryan said, 2007 and 2008 leftovers are still sitting in the dealerships.  

[veefer800canuck]

You need to find out if the camchains and VTEC are an issue to you or not.

Quite a few VTEC owners have had problems with the cam chain tensioners failing.


And for me, I don't like the VTEC kick, but it may be fine for you.

2006+ models have revised VTEC timing. 6400 RPM Vs 7000 RPM.

Troll VFRd for 411

[aks801]

Thanks, all.

Hey Canuck, I'm hip to vfrd so I pick up a ton of info there.  Had not noticed a real trend with the tensioners but will read up more on it.  The VTEC is obviously a a contentious issue with this bike and the subject of endless discussion.  I don't anticipate it being an issue for me, but suppose that until I am leaned over and it kicks in I just won't know for sure.  I had really wanted a 5th-gen bike for some time to sidestep the VTEC plus get those gear-driven cams, but those bikes (while still amazing) are starting to get a little long in the tooth.

[veefer800canuck]

If you look, and are lucky, you might find a gem.

I've seen 4 or 5 super low miles, always stored indoors 2001's that have been picked up for a relative song recently.

Always makes me jealous to see.

2001, 3500 miles, all stock, not a scatch, 53 Y.O. owner, had since new, finally decided to sell, etc, etc.  

[Rogue]

I got a 2007 in 2008.

If you get a late model VFR, something after 2006, all of it's factory recalls that occured in the early years have been done so you won't have any issues.  Don't listen to the Rectifier-Honda-Hater people that will soon chime in with their opinions because they want you to buy a Ducati instead.      

If you have the lust, and you want a bike that you just ride and ride and rarely ever take to the dealership (or never) for any kind of service except oil/filter changes, get a late model VFR800.  In its class, it is ultra-refined, very high quality, one of the most reliable bikes around, and the last of the sportbike/sport-tourer types.  It's more like the Sprint ST rather than the Sprint GT.  I think you get the point.

There is only one thing I wish to change to my 6th Generation and that's the fueling.  Honda made it ultra-lean running especially at small throttle openings to pass emissions.  I plan to put a Dynojet controller in to overcome that silly factory tuning to satisfy the EPA.  I think everything else about the bike is perfect for its given mission.  It's a bike that grows on you as you keep riding it and you wish other bikes had the stuff it had.  The best do-it-all bike in my opinion.  The closest thing that compares to it is the Triumph Sprint ST.

[veefer800canuck]

Re: Fuelling.

A Turbo City Fuel pressure regulator will take care of the lean running, but of course, you don't get to spend hours and hours poring over fuel tables and adjusting individual cells until your eyes are crossed.  

http://www.turbocity.com/default.php?cPath=64&osCsid=1db2865fd3bb8842f57af4613441367b

[XLR8]

I got this 2002 a while back with barely any miles on it. I don't really notice VTEC and never understand what the drama is about.

[SVTNate]

XLR8,

Pretty.  Got any more pics?

Would you mind sharing what you paid?  

[swimmer]

I got this 2002 a while back with barely any miles on it. I don't really notice VTEC and never understand what the drama is about.

I love me some red 6th gen.

[swimmer]

[Mastros2]

I think my love didn't start until I owned the bike.  Never lusted over it but saw a "jack of all trades" type of bike that I thought would fit me to the "t" and I thought it looked good.

After owning it for a month, I absolutely love this bike.  The looks grew on me and now I think they are top notch; under seat exhaust, sssa, headlight (yeah I do like that front end) and the plastics are not gaudy one bit.  I have the ambient temp gauge on the dash all the time and this is my first bike with an actual fuel gauge and abs.  I really wondered what the big deal was with center stands until I threw the bike on it for the first time.  “Hmm, that works!”

Yeah, the vtec is nice and I do like that “powerband” type of feel but I really enjoy the v4 grunt.  I don’t think I ever liked the i-4’s and for the past 7 years had twins.  The v4 is really the best of both worlds. Also, I didn’t want a big engine.  The 780cc power plant is perfect and surprisingly strong.   It’s not literbike strong but enough to get noticed.

Yeah, I say go for it.  Your lust will take over!

[XLR8]

XLR8,

Pretty.  Got any more pics?

Would you mind sharing what you paid?  

It was $5000 and $500 for shipping.

[Rogue]

Re: Fuelling.

A Turbo City Fuel pressure regulator will take care of the lean running, but of course, you don't get to spend hours and hours poring over fuel tables and adjusting individual cells until your eyes are crossed.  

http://www.turbocity.com/default.php?cPath=64&osCsid=1db2865fd3bb8842f57af4613441367b

I have no experience with this regulator but I have used something similar on my car.  

A fuel pressure regulator acts to increase the pressure by increasing fuel flow across the board.  This works on an engine that has been enlarged from its original size and/or fitted with a turbocharger because it acts like the engine is bigger.  However, it is not necessary on a normally aspirated, computer controlled, fuel injected engine like the VFR because you can simply change the fuel map and achieve the same thing with greater precision.  In this case, the VFR800 fuel map at small throttle openings is extremely lean.  At WOT, it works just fine.  Plus, with a fuel map, you can fine tune it to increase flow at certain RPM's and throttle openings and/or if you add a freer flowing exhaust and intake, as opposed to trying to figure out what pressure to run depending on mods.  In other words, the computer calibrations are more precise.  Finally, the fuel maps are just a download away so there is no fiddling and pouring over different fueling maps.

FPR's used to be the big thing back in the day when ECU's were very difficult to tune and required a degree in computer software code.  It is still necessary on blown engines today because those needs lots and lots of fuel.  However, it is like using a sledgehammer when a fly swatter will do. For NA engines that is running lean at certain RPM's, all they need is some fine tuning.  

Carry on with the VFR800 love.  

[Bryan217]

I agree that it's arguably one of the best all around bikes. It's great for commuting, for tearing up the twisties, and even for some 2-up touring (as long as the pillion isn't too large). I love mine, and plan on keeping it for a long time. To me, the motor is just right. It's so much better than my previous bike (600cc I4) and way more than I'll ever need. The only time I'd have to 'upgrade' is if my fiance decides she wants to do some serious touring. But for now, it's just right.

And seeing as we're sharing, here's a pic of mine.

[Mastros2]

Bryan, is that a Sergeant seat? How do you and your fiance like it over the stocker?  That may be an option for my wife (the backrest).

The tri color is a beautiful bike!

[veefer800canuck]

Bryan, is that a Sergeant seat? How do you and your fiance like it over the stocker?  That may be an option for my wife (the backrest).

The tri color is a beautiful bike!

Looks like a Corbin Gunfighter (and lady) seat to me.

[spaceman]

I'm in this exact situation right now. Looking for a 2007-2008 with ABS. Having a hard time finding one local. Anyone here have any input on buying from a distant dealer and having it shipped?